Individual and Couples Counselling in Airdrie, Alberta
It can be difficult to ask for help, especially when it comes to our personal lives. We may feel like we should be able to handle our problems on our own, or that seeking help is a sign of weakness. However, more and more people are beginning to realize the benefits of therapy. Therapy can provide us with tools to manage our mental health, teach us how to cope with difficult emotions, and help us to understand ourselves better. The COVID pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone and has led to an increase in the need for counselling services. If you are struggling, please know that you are not alone and there is help available.
If you're living in Airdrie, Alberta, and you're looking for a therapist who can help you improve your life, then this blog post is for you. In this post, we'll discuss some of the benefits of counselling, and we'll provide a list of therapists who offer services in Airdrie. We hope that this information will help you make the best decision for your mental health!
What is Therapy?
Therapy can be broadly defined as a process of treatment that helps people with mental, emotional, or behavioral problems. The goal of therapy is to help people improve their lives and well-being. Therapy can be conducted in individual, group, or family settings, and it can take many different forms. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help their clients achieve the goals of therapy.
There are many different types of therapy, and the most common types offered at Bloom Narratives are Narrative Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Cognitive behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Each type of therapy has its own unique approach, and therapists may use one or more approaches to help their clients achieve the goals of therapy. The important thing to remember is that your treatment plan needs to be individualized to suit you, your needs, and hopes. We, as other therapists do, will work with you to create a plan that meets you where you're to help you get to where you want to be.
What’s the Difference Between Counselling and Therapy?
The terms "counselling" and "therapy" are often used interchangeably, but there are sometimes a few differences.
Counselling emphasizes the importance of the personal (emotional) factors in helping people solve their problems, more on a shorter-term basis. For example, people who use counselors may do so because they have difficulty managing stress or dealing effectively with life challenges.
Therapy can be more long-term and focuses on you as an individual - how your thoughts, behaviors or underlying patterns are shaping the way that you see yourself. For example, if someone was suffering from depression they might explore ways in which their therapist could help them develop coping strategies so this doesn't impact everyday life too much anymore, look at the feelings and circumstances that influenced and sustained the symptoms.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy depends on the goals of treatment. Some people may only need a few sessions, while others may need ongoing treatment for months or years. The most important factor is whether or not the person is making progress toward their goals. If therapy is not working, the therapist and client can discuss other options, such as changing therapists or approaches.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy varies depending on the type of therapy, the therapist's fees, and the length of the session. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income, and some insurance plans cover the cost of therapy. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see if therapy (and which type of therapist) is covered under your plan.
In Canada, many health care professionals are recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency for a medical expense tax credit as medical practitioners. You can view the complete list here to determine if your services would be considered under the tax credit in your province of residence. For some professionals, you may need a doctor’s note to be eligible for the tax credit.
What are the pros and cons of therapy?
There are many benefits of therapy, and the specific benefits depend on the goals of treatment. In general, therapy can help people improve their mental and emotional health, learn new coping skills, build healthy relationships, and make positive changes in their lives. Therapy can also be a great way to explore personal issues in a safe and supportive environment.
While there are many benefits of therapy, there are also some potential drawbacks. One downside of therapy is that it can be a financial investment. The cost of therapy varies depending on the therapist's training and experience, the length and frequency of sessions, and if you are using insurance to pay for sessions or are paying out of pocket. Another potential drawback is that therapy can take time to produce results. In general, you can expect to see improvements after several weeks or months of treatment. Finally, therapy does not work for everyone. Some people start therapy and find that it's not helpful for them. If this happens, you may want to consider trying a different type of treatment or finding a new therapist.
Finding the Right Fit
Remember this:
The right person, for the right problem, in the right place.
Not all therapists are a good fit for everyone. I’ve been in this field for over 14 years and I know that there have been some clients that haven’t been a great fit. That’s okay. Remember this too… just as you don’t agree with or like someone, this could fit too with a counsellor. For example, I’m a modern therapist, so you are going to see more of my personality rather than a ‘blank slate’, which is what was taught many decades ago, where therapists shouldn’t show clients much personality for fear of it interfering with the therapeutic process. And as a modern therapist, I’m really into building up therapeutic relationships and alliances and I see that supportive relationship as one of the key things people share with me as being helpful when they are getting ready to leave therapy. And this isn’t a fit for everyone. And that’s okay.
Essentially, my little mantra is that healing equals connection.
And that’s the great thing about therapy—there is a ton of therapists out there and there is bound to be someone who is the perfect fit for you.
So, how do you decide?
When choosing a therapist, it's important to consider your needs and goals for therapy, as well as your budget and schedule. Below are some tips to help you choose the right therapist for you:
Consider what you want to get out of therapy. What are your goals? Do you need help with a specific issue, or are you looking for general support?
Look for a therapist who has experience treating people with similar issues to yours.
Make sure the therapist is licensed in your province and insured. Every therapist at Bloom holds professional liability insurance and a valid licence in Alberta and other provinces.
Check with your insurance company to see if they cover online counselling.
Ask about the therapist's training and experience. Are they a good fit for your needs?
What is the client’s training on anti-oppressive practice?
Consider the therapist's style and personality. Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
Make sure the therapist offers appointments that fit your schedule.
Consider the cost of therapy. Can you afford the therapist's fees? Or does your insurance company cover the therapist you would like to see?
Ask about confidentiality and privacy policies. Will your conversations be confidential?
Once you've considered all of these factors, you should be ready to choose a therapist! If you're still not sure, most therapists offer a free initial consultation. This is a great opportunity to get to know the therapist and see if they're right for you. I always recommend taking the therapist up on this consultation.
Here at Bloom, we also have a matching tool to help you decide which therapist here at our clinic might be a good fit for you.
What should you expect from therapy?
So you’ve done some research, had your consultation calls, and decided on a therapist! Great job!
The next step is the initial session. This is usually where the therapist will ask about your history, presenting concerns, and hopes for therapy. They may also give you some paperwork to fill out. After the initial session, most therapists will meet with their clients for regular sessions. The timing between sessions will vary depending on your needs. Many clients find it helpful to have sessions every few weeks at first to gain momentum, and then decrease the frequency as the symptoms improve and they start seeing more progress.
Therapy Services offered by Bloom Narratives in Airdrie, Alberta
We offer both online and in person therapy services to individuals (15+) and couples and we’re located in Airdrie, Alberta.
Our building is accessible, near the Airdrie Transit route , and with ample parking both on the street and in the parking lot. Our therapy rooms have been carefully furnished with your comfort in mind. Service dogs are welcome, and our building has accessibility benefits like no stairs, hands-free doors, and has wide hallways and doorways..
We are located within the "Airdrie Lawyer's Business Office" and when you come in, we invite you to have a seat and we will come and get you at your appointment time.
A little known fact is that the owner of Bloom Narratives, Sharla Crowie, was born and raised in Airdrie, and is passionate about supporting Airdronians with effective and high quality counselling.
Please don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about our location or how we can support you.